Our staff
Our staff are committed and dedicated to the children and families who make up the kindy community each year and our centre benefits greatly from the depth of experience and professional expertise that each staff member brings.
All Springwood Community Kindergarten educators hold Early Childhood qualifications plus current First Aid, CPR, Asthma, Anaphylaxis (Epipen) and Geccko National Child Safety Training certificates. They also participate in a range of professional development sessions throughout the year.
Inclusion Aides are employed from time to time to ensure all children can participate in the full kindy program.
Hello Families! My name is Stephanie Jays and I will be the nominated supervisor and Borobi Teacher here at Springwood Community Kindergarten. A little about me, I live in Brisbane with my fiancé and two cats Cheeto and Marshmallow. If I am not at home reading or cooking I am often enjoying walks and runs along the river or discovering new cafes and restaurants to try or watching the football cheering on the Broncos.
I have been in education for approx. 15 years now working with all ages from 6 weeks up to 15 years of age. Working in long day care and OSHC before finding me passion working with children in the year before school.
My favourite part of education is seeing those moments of triumph when a child has achieved a goal they have been working towards, the excitement and the awareness that they can do hard and tricky things. My personal philosophy and pedagogy is based on play base learning. Children learn how to make sense of the world through play, questioning the world and conversation. Building time to play and converse in a range of settings with a range of provocations allows children to share and build knowledge with peers and educators. I aim to encourage children to consider and explore the world and their surroundings in a safe place.In the year before school, children are often immersed in building their own identity, which is built upon through stories, dramatic play, and creative expression. I encourage children to explore risk taking and independence through intentional conversation and skill building.
I love to encourage creative and critical, thinking skills, engaging with nature and exploring transient art. Whilst building gross motor skills through a range of physical activity, including obstacle courses and structured games.
I look forward to being part of your journey this year!
Hello everyone, my name is Gina and I am Wongari Group's new teacher. I have worked in the Early Childhood sector for well over 20 years and obtained my Bachelor's degree of Education through the Queensland University of Technology. I have always loved being around children and knew from a young age that I would choose to work in a field that would help me to make an impact on young lives.
I believe that the early years are the building blocks of every child's emotional, social and intellectual being. My role as a teacher is to provide children under my care with the necessary tools they need to build these foundations.
I have two beautiful daughters' who I love spending time with, who always ground me and remind me of what is truly important in life. I enjoy cosying up to a good book, cooking and spending time with family and friends. I also have a deep seated belief of the importance of mental well-being and how it bleeds into every aspect of our lives. It is for this reason that I make a conscious effort to do small things to fill my cup on a daily basis.
I am excited and honoured to be part of the Springwood Community Kindergarten learning community. I can't wait to work with an amazing team, the children and their families in 2026.
I’ve been working in education for 17 years. I began as an inclusion aide within a high school but soon realised my passion was working in the early years. I enrolled in a Certificate III of children’s services and soon began my career in early childhood education.
I have three children of my own, with my youngest having attended Springwood Community Kindergarten. While she was there, I was impressed by the amazing natural outdoor space, and the passion and commitment displayed by the staff. I now feel very fortunate to be working alongside the most incredible, talented, and dedicated staff at Springwood Kindy.
After working for many years in early education and supporting children with additional needs I decided to enrol in the Graduate Certificate of Autism Studies at Griffith University in order to enhance my skills and knowledge working with children on the autism spectrum. I have a strong passion for inclusion, particularly supporting children with additional needs to participate in a mainstream program, something I feel Springwood Community Kindergarten excels at.
I love having the opportunity to help children engage in a variety of experiences and watch their confidence grow as they learn new skills and build relationships. I’m so happy I get to work alongside such an amazing team who are all so dedicated to creating a positive and nurturing learning environment for children and families.
Certificate III Children’s Services
Bachelor of Arts
Graduate Certificate Autism Studies
Hello everyone, my name is Louise and I am an Educator in both groups.
I originally began my career as a bridal milliner before changing career paths and moving into education in 2006. I trained as a Management of Younger Children Program Facilitator through the South East Region Behaviour Unit and worked closely with the Behaviour Team. During this time, I developed a real passion for supporting children who require additional support and helping create inclusive environments where every child can thrive.
I am a proud mum of five children, and I bring both my professional experience and my personal understanding of family life into my work each day. I am very excited to share that I have recently completed my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, which has further strengthened my passion for working in this sector.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and baking for my family and friends. I absolutely love dogs and have four fur babies of my own. I also enjoy gardening, especially collecting and caring for succulents and ferns.
I feel incredibly privileged to work in early childhood education and to be part of each child’s learning journey.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education
Studying Certificate III in Early Childhood Education
I have been married for 35 years and have 3 wonderful boys, beautiful daughter-in-laws and 2 beautiful granddaughters. After having my children I decided I would like to work with young children and completed my Diploma in Child Care. Ever since then I have been working in the industry and love it!
I am lucky enough to say I have been a part of our wonderful kindergarten for 23 years as Teacher Aide! I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with so many families within our community.
I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners! Helping children to progress in all areas of their development and to have fun while learning is what makes me happy.
My area of interest is collage and painting, working with the children on projects and seeing how proud they are brings a smile to my face everyday.
I believe we have a responsibility to build the strongest foundations for our kindy children.
“Play Inspires Learning” is not just our catch phrase, it is what we all believe. Our team of Educators are amazing and we are all passionate, dedicated and care about Springwood Community Kindergarten which is why I love working here.
When I’m not at kindy I like to read, spend time with my grandchildren and travel in our caravan.
Diploma of Childcare